Packing assembly



April 25,` 1933.

L. F. BAAS-H ET -AL PACKING ASSEMBLY 4 Filed July 7. 19:50

. v./ man J.

Patented Apr. 25, 1933 UNITED STATES LAWRENCE F. BAASH AND ERWIN BURNS, OF LOS ANGELES, AND GEORGE B.

GARRABD, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA.

` y rAcxING ASSEMBLY Appncatinn filed July 7,

This invention relates to a packing assembly and relates more particularly to a packing assembly for use in a casing head or blowout preventer at the upper end of a well casing. It is a general object of the invention to provide a practical and effective packing assembly that may be quickly and easily arranged in operating positionin a casing head or blowout reventer.

1D It is an o ject of the invention to provid 'i a combination of a casing head having a packing actuating or compressing sleeve with a flange or lip for engaging the packing or y 'packing device, andv a packing assembly l5 adapted to be inserted in the head that embodies latches adapted to spring past the lip as the assembly is lowered into the head and which are in position for engagement by the lip when the assembly is seated in the head.

Another object of theinvention isto provide a sectional packing assembly adapted to be assembled around a drill pipe, or the like, and lowered into a casing head and which embodies latches which are in a position to be engaged by a packing actuating sleeve or device on the head when the assembly is within the head. v

It is another object of the invention to provide a packing assembly of the character mentioned that may be actuated by the weight of a string of drill pipe, or the like, supported on the assembly through a coupling on the pipe. The latches referred toabove for engagement by a compression sleeve on the casing head are arranged in recesses in the assembly so that they are not engaged by a coupling on a string of dr'll pipe, or the like.

It is another object of the invent-ion to provide a section al packing assembly of the char- 40 acter mentioned that may be very quickly assembled around a drill pipe, vor the like, and

4lowered into a casing head so as to be in a position to be immediately actuated to pack off around the drill pipe either by a compres- 15 sion sleeve on the head or by the weight ofv the string of drill pipe. Y l

It is a further object of thel invention to provide a packing assembly of the character mentioned that is particularly simple and in- 59 lexpensive of manufacture and which eml1830. Serial N0. 465,818.

bodies but few simple parts that are depend-` able in operation.

Otherobjects and features of our invention will be bestand more fully understood from 4 the followin detailed descri tion of a typical form an application o the invention, throughout which description `reference is had to the accompanyin drawing, in which:

. Fig. 1 is a vertical detailed sectional viewof the construction provided by this inventionA 60' illustratin the packing assembly sealin around-a rill pipe. Fig. 2 is an enlar e vertical detailed sectional view illustratmg the packing assembl in the unactuated posi- I tion in a casing hea Fig. 3 is a top or plan 6b view of the assembly. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a portion of the exterior of the assembly illustrating the means for latching the units of the assembly together taken as indicated by line 4-4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an'en- 704 larged horizontal detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 5--5 on Fig. 2. Fig. 6is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as v indicated b line 6-6 0n Fig. 2. 75"

The pac ing assembly provided by the present inventlon is intended primarily for use in a casing head or blowoutpreventer to pack of around a string of drill pipe-or oil tubing extending into t e well. The assembly is adapted to be embodied in forms for use in various types of casing heads, blowout preventers, etc., and for packing around drill pipe, oil tubing, and the like. Throughout the drawingthe assembly is illustrated in connection with a typical form of casing head and in Fig. 1 of the drawing it is shown in sealing engagement witha drill pipe extending through the head. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular form orapplication of the invention illustrated in the drawing, v but that it is to be taken as including anyV features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The casing head illustrated in the drawing includes a vertically dis osed tubular body 10 having an opening 11 or passing the drill .pipe P, well drilling tools, etc. The body 10 may be connected with the upper end of a sesa Well casing'in any suitable manner. In the particular caseshownthe lower portion of the body 10 is both externally-and internally' scribed the body 10 is provided with a pack- -ing actuating or compressing sleeve 14'. The sleeve 14 is screw threaded on the upper portion of the body and is provided at its upper end with an inwardly projecting flange or lip 15.` The lip 15 is preferably annular, extending entirely around the sleeve 14. The flange 15 is proportioned to pass a packing assembly and drilling tools passed into the opening 11. The inner wall 16 of the lip 15 is preferably of substantially the same diameter as the upper portion of the opening 11. The upper side of the lip 15 is preferably beveled or tapered downwardly and inwardly. The lower or under side 17 of the lip may be inclined upwardly and outwardly as clearly shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing. Outwardly projecting ears 18 may be provided o n the sleeve 14 to facilitate operation or threading of the sleeve on the body 10. The sleeve 14 preferably has acomparatively long screw threaded connection with the body 10.

The packing assembly provided by the present invention includes, generally, .two units A and B formed of a split annular body of packing 20 and split collars 21 and 22`at the upper and lower ends of the packing 20, means'23 for releasably latching the units A means 24 for-expanding the packing'20 into sealing engagement with the head 10 and the Y pipe P, and a plurality of'latches 25 adapted to pass the lip 15 when the assembly is lowered into the bodylO and adapted to be engaged by the lip to actuate the packing 20 when the assembly is in the-opening 11.

The packing 20 is a longitudinally split annular body of packing material arranged between the collars 21 and 22. The packing 2() may be formed of rubber, rubber composition, or other suitable resilient packing material. The packing 20 may be split at diametrically opposite points. The annular body of packing 20 is proportioned to slidably fit the upper portion ofthe opening 11 and the opening 26 of the packing normally freely passes the pipe P.l

The collars 21 and 22 are longitudinally split annular members or rings arranged at and together around the pipe P, or the like,

the upper and lower ends, respectively of the packing ring 20. The collars 21 and 22 are split at diametrically opposite points and their lines o f division are preferably in vertical alignment with the lines of division of the packing 20. In accordance with the invention the external and internal diameters of the" collars 21 and 22 are substantially the same as the external and internal diameters of the packing 20 so that the collars slidably t the upper portion of the opening 11 and freely pass the pipe P. The exterior of the ,lower collar 22 is tapered inwardly and downwardly to seat on the bcveled shoulder 12 to support the assembly in the opening 11. The upper side of the col'- lar 21 is preferably flat and normal to the .longitudinal axis ofthe assembly to effectively receive and support a coupling C, or the like, on the pipe P. 'Screw threaded 85 openings 60 may be provided inthe sections of the collar 21'to receive suitable liftingor carrying tools for handling the units A and B.

The means 23 for releasably holding or latching the units A and B together around the pipe P is such that the unitsmay be quickly and easily assembled around the pipe before being lowered into the head 10.` The means 23 is in the nature ofy a latch means and is preferably integral with the collars 21- and 22. In the particular form of theinvention shown in the drawing the releasable latch meansA 23 includes latch projections 30 on one unit to cooperate with latch catches 100 or lugs 31 on the otherunit of the assembly. Inthe case illustrated the latch projections 30 are provided on the unit A to cooperate with the lugs 31 on the unit B. The latch -projectionsf30 project from the opposite ends 105 of. the .sections of the collars 21 and 22 of the unit A. The outer-ends of the projections 30 yare pointed, having beveled inner sides "32 terminating in vertical shoulders 33.

The lugs ,31 are provided in the bottoms 110 of the recesses 34 in the ends of the collar sections of the unit B. The lugs 31 have beveled outer sides terminating in vertical shoulders 35. The projections 30 and the lugs 31 are proportioned and related so that 115 when the units .A and B are swung together the beveled sides 32 of the projections ride over the lugs 3l to bring the shoulders 33 and 35 into abutment or engagement. During engagement of the projections 3() with the 120 lugs 31 the packing 20 of the assembly is compressed somewhat, and when the shoul? ders 33 and 35 are in engagement the packing returns to its normal size to releasably retain the projections in holding engagement with the lugs 31. The resiliency of the packing 20 operates to releasably retain thelatch projections-30 in cooperative vengagement with the lugs 31.

The means 24 for expanding the packingl 139 20 operates to actuate or expand the packing into sealing engagement with the pipe P and the walls of the opening 11 upon a compression strain being put on the assembly. In aecordance with the broader principles 4ott the invention the packing expanding means for causing the packing Ito seal with the pipe and the body 10 may bev similar to the forms of packing expanding means fully described and claimed in our following co-pendingapplication: s

Packer for casing head, Serial No. 463,219 filed June 23, 1930, or Letters Patent of the United States Number 1,845,219 issued `to us February 16, 1932, entitled Packer for casing head Serial No. 463,218 filed June 23, 1930, or Letters Patent of the United States Number 1,872,219 issuedto us August 16, 1932, entitled Packer for casing head, Serial No. 463,220, sled June 23, 1930. In the particular form of the, invention illustrated in the drawing the packing expanding means 24 is of the same general character as the packing expanding means set forth and claimed in Letters Patent of the United States Number 1,845,219, entitled Packer for casing head issued to us February'16, 1932, filed June 23, 1930, Serial No.

The particular packing expanding means embodied in the form of the invention shown in the drawing includes wedge projections 36 on the inner sides of the collars 21 and 22 extending into grooves 37 in the acking 20. The wedge projections 36 project in? wardly into-the packing 20 from the inner vsides of each of the'sections of the collars 21 and 22. The wedge projections 36 may be curved concentric to the axis of the assembly and may extend between points adj acent the opposite ends of the collar sections.

The opposite sides of the wedge projections 36 converge outwardly or toward the endsof the projections. Pointed enlargements or heads 38 are provided at the outer ends of the projections. The heads 38 present shoulders 39 on the sides of the projections 36. The grooves 37 are shaped to conform to the configuration of the wedge projections 36 and the projections 36 fit tightly into the grooves. The grooves 37 may be provided with extensions 39a at the outer ends or points of the heads 38 to permit the projections to be operated or forced into the packing. The projections 36 and particularly the shoulders 39 act to retain the collar sections assembled with the packing 20.- In the preferred orin of the invention the projections 36 fit the grooves 37 so that the collars 21 and 22 are normally held spaced from the ends of the packing 20.

The ends 40 of the wedge projections 36 taper inwardly and away from the ends of the units A and B as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawing so that the packing v20 at the ends of the-units isv brought into tight sealing engagement upon a compression strain being exerted on the assembly. It will be obvious how the wedge projections 36 o crate to expand the packing 20 both radin. y

inward and outward into effective sealing' engagement with the wallsvof the opening 11' and the piped. when the assembly is compressed.

Thelatches 25 are lp'rovidedon the units A and B to be engaged by the lip 15 of the sleeve 14 or by similar packing actuating device provided on theV casing head. The latches 25 are provided on the upper collar 21 and are adapted to spring past the lip 15 when the assembly is lowered into the opening 11 and automatically return to a position projecting from the collar 21 where they are adapted to be engaged by the lower side l of the 1ip'15.A In thepreferred formof the invention there is a plurality oflatches 25 provided on the upper side of the'collar 21.

The latches 25 are preferably equally spaced around the collar- 21. In the particular embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing there are two spaced latches' 25 provided on each of the units A and B. In accordancey with the invention the latches 25 are pivotally mounted in sockets or. recesses 41. The outer ends of the latches 25 normally project radially outward from the periphery or exterior of the collar 21. ,The latches 25 may be integral members and are preferably formed comparatively heavy.' The lower sides of the latches 25 are flat to effectivelyl seat on the bottoms of therecesses 41, and the latches may be comparatively wide so that they have substantial engagement with -the bottoms of the recesses" when in operation.

The inner ends of the latches 25 are yoked or have spaced side parts 42' and a notch 43 between the parts 42. Pivot pins 44I extend through openings in the parts 42 andv have their ends seated in openings 46 in the collar 21. The pins 44 may be arranged in position through the openings 46 which extend to the exterior of the collar. Theouter portions of the openings 46 may be filled up or plugged after the pins are arranged in position. The latches 25 are proportioned so that they are normally entirely disposed within the re-l cesses 41. In the. particular case shown the upper sides of the latches 25 are spaced below the top of the collar 21v when in the down position.

The latches 25normally project from the collar 21 and the lower sides of the projecting portions of the latches may be beveled or rounded, as shown in the drawing, to' effectively slide or operate over `the beveled upper side of the lip 15. The upper sides 48 of the projecting partsof the latches 25 may.

be inclined upwardly and outwardly to' effectively `cooperate with the inclined lower side of the lip 15 when the sleeve 14 is threaded onto the body to compress the packing assembly.

The invention provides means for normally yieldingly holding the latches 25 in the down position where theirlower sides are in engagement with thev bottoms of the recesses 41 and to automatically return the latches to the down position after they have been raised through engagement with the lip 15 when the assembly is lowered into the casing head. The means for normally yieldingly hol-ding the latches 25 in the down position is inthe nature of a spring means and includes a torsional spring 50 arranged in each ofthe notches 43 around the pins 44. The springs 50 each have an end portion 51 extending into an opening in the i'nner side of a recess 41V and each have an end portion 52 engaging or reacting against the upper side of a latch 25. Upon the packing assembly being lowered into the casing head, the lower sides ofthe projecting portlons of the latches 25 engage the lip 15 so that the latches are raised,.or pivoted yupward and the vsprings 50 are put under torsional strains. After the latches 25 -have passed the lip 15, the springs 50 operate or shift the latches 25 to their normal down positions against the bottoms of the recesses 41.

It is believed that the operation of the packing assembly provided by this invention will be readily apparent from the foregomg detailed description. VWhen it is desired to pack around a` drill pipe P, or the like, extending through the casing head 10, the units A and B are swung together around the pipe so that the latch projections 30 are operated Vof the pipe P, the

over the lugs 31 to bring theshoulders 33 and 35 into abutment. The assembly may then be lowered into the upper portion of the opening 11 so that the lower collar 22 seats on the tapered shoulder 12. When the assembly is lowered into the casing head, the latches 25 engage the lip 15 land are pivoted upwardly and inwardly so that their outer ends slide past the inner walls 16 of the lip. After the latches 25 havecpassed the lip 15 the springs 50 automatically return the latches to the down or normal positions where their outer ends project radially from the collar 21. The packing assembly may then be operated to seal or pack off between 'the pipe P and the walls of the opening 11 either by threading the sleeve 14 downwardly so that the lip 15 engages the latches 25 or by permitting the weight of the string of drill pipe P to be supported by the packing assembly through a coupling C. Upon a compression strain being put on the assembly either Athrough the sleeve 14 or by the weight wedge projections 36 are forced inwardly intol the packing 20 to eX- pand it into effective sealing engagement with the ing 11.

pipe P and the walls of the open- When it is desired to remove-the assembly j engagement with the shoulders 35. In practice the assembly may be dropped so that the section of the collar 22 of the unit A strikes the ground so that the packing 20 is compressed to permit the latch projections 30 to spring out of engagement with the lugs 31.

It is to be noted that the invention provides a packing assembly that is particularly simple and convenient to operate and which may be easily and quickly arranged in operating position in a casing head or blowout preventer so as to be actuated either by a compression sleeve on the head or by the weight of the drill pipe. The latches 25 are effectively withstand the strains to which ated by the compression sleeve 14.

Having described only a typical preferred form of our invention, we do not wish to limit ourselves to the specific details set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any changes or variations that may appearto those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1; A packing assembly adapted to be used in a casing head having an opening to receive a packing device and having a packing actuating device with an inwardly projecting part which includes, a bod-y of expansible packing adapted to be lowered into the opening, a rigid collar on the upper. end of the packing, a latch pivoted in a recess in the collar and having an end part normally projecting from the periphery of the collar, the latch being adapted to be pivoted upwardly to pass the said projecting part whenthe assembly is'lowered into the opening, and means for yieldingly holding the latch in a down position in the recess where it is entirely below the collar where its said end part projects from the periphery of the collar.

2. A packing assembly adapted t'o be used in a casing'head having an opening and having a packing actuating device with an inwardly projecting lip at the upper end of ythe opening which includes Iltwo units adaptina casing head havingan opening and havthey are subjected when the assembly is actu- I ing a packing actuating device with an inwardly projecting lip at the upper end of the opening whichincludes two units ada ted to be assembled around an object exten 'ng through the opening and adapted to be lowered into the opening, each unit including expansible packing, and a rigid collar on the upper end of the packing, latches pivotally mounted in recesses in the upper end of the collar to be normally inset be ow the upper end of the collar and projectin from the periphery of the collar when in t e down position so Ias tov be adapted to be en aged by the lower side of the lip, and means or normally yieldingly holding the latches in the down position.

4. A packing assembly adapted to be used in a casing. head having an opening and having a packing actuating device with an inwardly projecting lip at the upper end of the opening which includes two units adapted to be assembled around an object extending through the opening and adapted to be lowered into the openin each unit including expansible packing, an a rigid collar on the upper end of the packing, latches pivotally mounted in recesses in the collar to be normally inset below the upper end of the collar and projecting from the periphery of the collar when in the down position so as to be adapted to be en aged by the lower side of the lip, and means or normally yieldingly holding the latches in the said down position, said means including springs at the pivotal mountings of the latches.`

5. A packing assembly for usein a cas'txexg head including, twoseparate umts adap i to be assembled around an object each unit including aA body of expansible packing, substantially semi-circular rigid collars at the upper and lower ends of the packing, wed e arts on the collars extending into t e pac mg, and a latch pivoted in a recess in the u r end of the upper collar to be norm y inset below the upper end of the said collar In witness that we claim the foregoing we have hereunto subscribed our names this 1st day of July, 1930.

- l LAWRENCE F. BAASH.

ERWIN BURNS. GEORGE B. GARRARD.

rojecting from the collar for engagement I y an actuating device.

6. A packing device including, an assembly of two rigid collars, and expansible resilient peacking between the collars, the assembly ing longitudinally divided into two separate units, means operable through the resiliency of the packing to releasab y hold the units together, and means for expanding the packing including, a wedge part on a collar extending into a ing, and latches pivota y mounted in recesses in the upper end of the up ermost collar to normally project radially rom the collar for engagement by an actuating device and to normally be inset below lthe upper end of the said collar, either the upper end of the said collar or the latches being adapted to be acted upon to transmit an actuating compression strain to the assembly.

oove in the pack- 

